Zimbabwe shattered the T20I record with a staggering score of 344/4 against Gambia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B. Sikandar Raza played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 133 runs in just 43 balls, leading to a substantial victory by 290 runs. This inning also marked the highest team score in men’s T20I history, surpassing Nepal’s previous record of 314 runs.
In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Zimbabwe established a new benchmark in T20 International cricket by scoring an unprecedented 344 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their allotted 20 overs against Gambia during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B. This impressive feat was spearheaded by the outstanding Sikandar Raza, who remained not out with a blistering 133 runs achieved off just 43 deliveries, which included an astonishing 15 sixes. Zimbabwe’s total surpassed the previous record of 314 runs for 3 wickets set by Nepal against Mongolia in 2023. Eventually, Zimbabwe triumphed over Gambia by a staggering margin of 290 runs, with the latter being bowled out for a mere 54 runs in 14.4 overs while attempting to chase down the monumental target.
The recent match highlighted Zimbabwe’s remarkable potential in the shortest format of the game, following their ascension into the top five scores in T20 Internationals. Earlier in the month, they had registered 286 runs against Seychelles, establishing themselves as one of the formidable teams in the African cricketing landscape. This record-breaking game serves as a testament to the progress and growing competitiveness of Zimbabwean cricket on a global stage, particularly following notable performances from rival nations such as India, who had scored 297 runs against Bangladesh shortly before Zimbabwe’s achievement. Furthermore, Raza’s century marks a significant milestone as it is the first T20I century by a Zimbabwean player, enhancing the historical context of this achievement.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s extraordinary performance against Gambia not only set a new T20I record but also solidified their standing in international cricket. Sikandar Raza’s phenomenal innings and the team’s overall record highlight the potential for future success and competitiveness in the sport. This match will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant moment in Zimbabwean cricket history as they continue to build upon their recent accomplishments and forge a path in international competitions.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
